Warning: General spoilers ahead

As a reader of The Strain trilogy, I have to admit that I went into Season 3 a little pessimistic and not entirely sure if the writers could pull off telling the story effectively, especially given the magnitude of events at the end of Book 2 and going into the final installment of the trilogy. Then, episode 3.08 “White Light” aired, and the magnificent talent of the production team quickly became apparent with the masterful choreography and stunning special effects in that final battle scene. At that point, I changed my mind, and I knew — oh, yes, they can definitely pull it off. And, now, after having screened the season 3 finale, I can tell you positively and emphatically that they did.

As was hinted in the season finale trailer, lots of questions are finally answered, one of which is who is the new Master. Don’t worry, the writers don’t leave us hanging very long on this one. Of course, I can’t spill but I will say it’s someone that some people expected but with a gigantic twist.

In the meantime, Palmer (Jonathan Hyde) meets Abraham (David Bradley) to relay the news about Eichhorst (Richard Sammel)  and the trap he has put in place at Stoneheart to lure the Master. Armed with this information and putting aside their differences, Setrakian,  Fet (Kevin Durand),  Dr. Goodweather (Corey Stoll),  Dutch (Ruta Gedmintas)  and Quinlan (Rupert Penry-Jones) load up the box as well as the device — next stop, the Penthouse at Stoneheart. So, with all the players in place like pieces on a chessboard, now all they have to do is wait. Does the Master reveal himself? Oh, yeah. Is it what they expected? Absolutely not, and it all goes downhill from there.

Honestly, I can’t say much more without spoiling the episode, but here’s a few more tidbits to hold you over for the next 48 hours:

• The meaning of “an occultation preceding an apocalypse” from the Lumen becomes very clear by the end of the episode.
• The reason why the Master sees Zack as “a very special young man” is revealed, and it’s perhaps the most shocking part of the episode. May be wise to keep diapers ready, because you may need them with this reveal.
• If you thought Quinlan was a major bad-ass in “White Light,” just wait. He’s amazing in this episode, and Rupert Penry-Jones nails every scene, every move.

Bottom line — Sunday’s finale lives up to the high expectations set forth by the trilogy. In fact, it may have just surpassed them. It takes the very best parts of Book 2 and embellishes them, twists them, polishes them and the end result is a much better, more compelling, mind-bending story that I’m sure will keep the fandom buzzing for quite some time.

The season 3 finale of The Strain  is titled “The Fall” and airs Sunday at 10/9c on FX.

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